Can a dog be ADHD?

[blazingon]

I've had dogs all my life and trained them well.  My current golden is the most stubborn, strong willed dog I have ever met, nothing like a typical golden.  And when forced to do as told, she borders on aggression.  She's already passed her CGC, so she knows hows to do an amazing amount of things, but she is a wild, crazed jumping, nipping beast when anyone comes to the house, or whenever she wants to be.  If she had found her way into a home where someone didn't know or have dogs before, she would spend her life in a kennel or be given up for adoption.  She's as smart as any dog I've ever had, but truly possessed at times.  Are there acupressure points that may calm her?  Are there tests to check for thyroid issues that may effect her?  I'm almost at the point of getting an electrical collar for control when she goes crazy.  Help?

[utahmomma]

Talk to your vet.  Yes, dogs can have thyroid issues and there is medication for that (used to joke that everyone in my family was on thyroid meds - even the dog).  She may also have blood sugar issues or hormonal imbalances.  There is a big market for dog sedatives and they can help in certain situations (severe depression/anxiety) but they won't work if there is another underlying condition.  A head x-ray or CT might also be warranted.  Call your vet.

[Jaybay]

Congrats on training your golden to be a Canine Good Citizen!  There is more to having a mentally balanced dog than just training though.  Your dog is displaying territorial, dominant/ aggressive and unsocialized behavior, and that is an entirely different can of worms than teaching your dog to sit, heel and stay.  You mention her reaction when she is "forced" to do as she's told.  What do you mean by "forced?"  What techniques do you use for discipline?  How much exercise does she get away from the home?  What you need more than anything is help from a behaviorist rather than a dog trainer.